Wedding Presents (for no one in particular!)

I. Love. Weddings.  I really do.  I love the flowers, the reason to be sappy and silly and mingle and dance. For as much as I love old fashioned and traditional weddings, I also love the quirky bits couples throw in to define their style. You can get a sense of the couple, if you don't already know them, by looking at their registry.

So here is the question of the day -- do you buy from the registry or send a gift of your own?

Hamptons yellow dinnerware set from Crate and Barrel

Why stick to the registry?
It is easy and fast, usually online, and you know the couple is getting exactly what they desire.

An iron, or something equally as mundane, is really an acceptable gift. Couples don't want to think about going to Macy's a week after the wedding, so having dishes and glasses and towels purchased is helpful and appreciated.

Registries are no longer limited to department stores.  MyRegistry or Amazon wish lists compile gift items from all types of vendors, so couples can be more creative and give guests fun options to choose from.

My favorite registry items to give
Teapot, coffee pot, kettle, creamer/sugar set.  Something along those lines and then I throw in a few bags of my favorite teas or local beans.

Cake plate, and a copy of Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook.

Le Creuset French/Dutch oven. Every home needs at least one.

Rosy-cheeked Coupes at BHLDN, $68 set

Good reasons for a unique gift:
The couple may remember a handmade wedding quilt more than who bought the dishes.

You can take cues from the registry for color palettes and general style, then go find something thoughtful to add.

Lots of gifts off-registry are still returnable -- it doesn't have to be handmade or personalized. So why not give it a shot and include a gift receipt?

My favorite off-registry items:
Silver.  Not many couples these days register for silver serveware. One of my favorite wedding gifts was a Wilton platter that I use so often, I now give as a shower gift to almost every girlfriend. A silver pitcher or candlesticks are good, too.  They go with any decor, are always sophisticated, and last forever.

Interesting glassware.  The couple probably has registered for a set of water and wine glasses, but I like to send a set of 2 (or more depending on the couple) specialty glasses. They don't have the match anything but are still practical. I love the above coupes from BHLDN.

Tickets -- to the museum, a concert, or a game. One friend gave us tickets to a Mariner's game as a wedding gift. How cute. Will and I had just moved to Seattle and she hoped to give us a fun night out, and it was!

Whatcha think? Given or received anything great...or horrible?!